Bring Back Beatrice!

by Griffin, Jennifer

• ISBN13: 9780761158950
• ISBN10: 0761158952
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-04-01
• Publisher: Workman Pub Co

Summary

In a world where too many babies are named Ashley and Jayden and too many baby name books are saccharine pink and blue, here comes something singular: a book that brings meaning, taste, character, a little bit of attitude, and a refreshing lack of trendiness to the art of naming a baby. Bring Back Beatrice! is a clarion call for parents who know they are naming not just a cuddly newborn, but a human being'” a person who will be proud to carry a name like Iris , meaning rainbow (after the Greek messenger goddess who connected the heavens to the earth); Bennett , the medieval form of the name Benedict, meaning 'œblessing;' Henry , good enough for eight English kings'”after all, it means 'œhome ruler;' Diana , the Roman goddess of hunting, the allegorical antecedent of the virgin Queen Elizabeth, and alterego of Wonder Woman; or Beatrice , an old-fashioned beauty with roots in both Dante and Shakespeare. Bring Back Beatrice! winnows down the universe of names to 1,546 mostly classic examples, and it makes a strong case for each, featuring the name's definition, its use in history, its connotations and subtleties, its 'œmeaning' in the fuller sense. Included are variations, nicknames, and, especially useful for readers, alternatives'” names that have the same flavor, but may sound better with a particular last name or family background. There's a guide to the basic rules of baby naming: scansion'” the sounds, syllables, and rhythm of a name, and how it goes with a last name'”ethnic traditions, recent trends, effective use of a middle name, plus an invaluable 'œflaky test.' Still considering a quirky name? Just imagine yourself buckling in for a flight when a voice comes on, saying, 'œI'm your captain, (insert quirky name here).' What do you think now?